I cannot say enough about the importance of ongoing reflection in teaching. Prior to becoming a teacher I had never thought of myself as a reflective person, yet somehow in this job I find that I naturally gravitate toward reflection - on lessons, on projects, on student interactions. I am a natural problem solver and I see reflection as a solution-oriented practice. I like to look at each lesson as it is implemented and examine how it could be done differently or made better. Particularly if the students experienced unanticipated challenges, or the results are not what were expected. Since I teach the same subject in multiple classes, I have a built in process to implement the PTRA cycle on a daily basis. (PTRA = Plan, Teach, Reflect, Apply) I am especially gratified when I make tweaks on delivery between classes and find that things go better in subsequent lessons. Experiences like these reinforce the value of reflection. (Incidentally, I'm also a prolific note-taker. I always make sure I take note of ideas for tweaks and changes for the next time the topic or project come around. Memory will most certainly fail me. I must write it down.)
Having a partner teacher to work with also adds to the opportunity for on-going reflection. We have conversations on a daily basis whereby we gather each other's feedback on our lessons and projects - what went well and what could be better. The input we give each other and the reflection we do together is extremely valuable in making all of our projects the best that they can be. Of course for this reflection to be productive it requires trust and effective communication, both of which I am fortunate to have in my partner teacher relationship.
This master's program has also reinforced the importance of on-going reflection. Many of the assignments we are required to complete are designed with reflection in mind, such as writing this blog. It's easy for me to believe that reflection does not come naturally to everyone but it's hard for me to believe that there are teachers who are not integrating reflection into their practice. As far as I'm concerned reflection is a must for satisfaction and success in this career. I strongly feel that improvement must come from within and that it starts by looking inward. By no means does a reflective process have to include enrolling in a master's program, it can be as simple as setting aside time at the end of each day to review the day's lessons and look for ways to improve. Another way to implement more reflection into your teaching practice is to find a trusted colleague or mentor to use as sounding board to reflect on what is happening in your classroom and help you look for ways to continuously improve. I always find it helpful to talk things out in this manner. A reflective practice takes time and dedication but the results are worth the effort.
Having a partner teacher to work with also adds to the opportunity for on-going reflection. We have conversations on a daily basis whereby we gather each other's feedback on our lessons and projects - what went well and what could be better. The input we give each other and the reflection we do together is extremely valuable in making all of our projects the best that they can be. Of course for this reflection to be productive it requires trust and effective communication, both of which I am fortunate to have in my partner teacher relationship.
This master's program has also reinforced the importance of on-going reflection. Many of the assignments we are required to complete are designed with reflection in mind, such as writing this blog. It's easy for me to believe that reflection does not come naturally to everyone but it's hard for me to believe that there are teachers who are not integrating reflection into their practice. As far as I'm concerned reflection is a must for satisfaction and success in this career. I strongly feel that improvement must come from within and that it starts by looking inward. By no means does a reflective process have to include enrolling in a master's program, it can be as simple as setting aside time at the end of each day to review the day's lessons and look for ways to improve. Another way to implement more reflection into your teaching practice is to find a trusted colleague or mentor to use as sounding board to reflect on what is happening in your classroom and help you look for ways to continuously improve. I always find it helpful to talk things out in this manner. A reflective practice takes time and dedication but the results are worth the effort.